THROGGS NECK, NY - The Maritime College men's soccer team continued its strong start to the 2019 season by defeating York College on Wednesday night 2-0. The Privateers improved to 3-0 on the season and have now outscored their opponents 15-0 through the first three games.

"It's definitely a good start to the season for us," said head coach Dan Gwyther. "York gave us a tough challenge and mixed it up with us physically, but I was happy with how the team played and I think we had enough offensive chances to put in four or five goals."

Despite a couple good runs from the Cardinals in the opening minutes, Maritime controlled the game for most of the opening half. In the 27th minute, the Privateers finally broke through after Jerome Eastwood (Houston, Texas/Stratford) placed a perfect through ball into the box. Christopher Tavernese (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City) took the pass and easily beat the goalie one-on-one to put Maritime ahead 1-0. 

"It felt really good to get that goal," said Tavernese. "I just gave a little check off the ball, I turned the defender, and put it right through the goalie's legs."

Tavernese wasn't done after the first half creating chances for the Privateers as he picked up a flashy assist in the 63rd minute. Thomas Kropp (East Northport, N.Y./Northport) sent a corner kick into the box and Tavernese perfectly flicked the ball to the back corner of the goal where Nicholas Gino (Levittown, NY/General Douglas MacArthur) headed the ball into the back of the net. The second goal of the game solidified Maritime's lead and allowed the defense to buckle down and run out the clock.

The Privateers defense has been stellar throughout the first three games as they have limited opponents to just 11 total shots and three on goal. Offensively, the Privateers have totaled 73 shots and 44 on target. Against the Cardinals, Maritime also held a significant nine to one advantage in corner kicks.

Maritime will head to Maine this weekend for the Maritime Cup against Maine and Masssachusetts Maritime. "Obviously we're feeling confident with three wins in as many games," said Gwyther. "The team is fit and healthy and with back-to-back games we'll be looking to get a lot of people minutes. They're both going to be tough and physical games and we're going to need contributions from everybody."

Check out the post-game press conference and highlights below!